Economic Mobility Director

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW

Build Hope, Inc. (BHI), originally established as Kids Progress Inc. (KPI) in 2002 by the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), operates as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It was created to ensure low-income residents living in HACLA’s properties or receiving Section 8 assistance receive the full social, health, educational and work opportunities to which they are entitled. BHI’s mission is to advance economic equity and overall well being of HACLA’s communities.

Since its inception, HACLA has provided in-kind staffing to manage BHI’s operations. Recognizing the need for greater impact and sustainable growth, HACLA has now invested in expanding BHI’s organizational capacity, enabling the nonprofit to build its own dedicated team. This strategic investment aims to provide greater independence, empowering BHI to expand its reach and deepen its impact within the communities it serves. It does this by focusing on four key areas: education, economic mobility, resource resiliency, and service-enriched communities.

OPPORTUNITY

The Economic Mobility Director will be the founding leader of BHI’s economic mobility initiatives, shaping and building programs that enhance the financial well-being and workforce readiness of HACLA families. This role will oversee career coaching, job readiness training, financial literacy programs, and youth employment initiatives, laying the foundation for long-term impact.

This is a unique opportunity to establish BHI’s economic mobility infrastructure from the ground up, develop strategic community partnerships, and ensure all initiatives are data-driven, evidence-based, and outcome-oriented. As a key architect of these efforts, the Economic Mobility Director will set the vision, design systems, and implement strategies that drive sustainable employment and financial stability for HACLA residents.

Reporting to the BHI Executive Director, the Economic Mobility Director will work closely with BHI’s executive team, HACLA’s WorkSource Center staff, and a broad network of community partners to align programs with both organizational priorities and community needs.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, results-driven leader with deep expertise in workforce development, financial empowerment, and economic mobility strategies for underserved communities. This is an exciting opportunity for a mission-driven professional to build and lead a transformative initiative from inception.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Key Responsibilities of the Economic Mobility Director include:

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Translate BHI’s strategic plan into actionable program plans, milestones, and performance metrics.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of economic mobility initiatives aligned with BHI’s mission and goals.

• Oversee youth employment programs, increasing job placements and employer engagement while providing skills training, financial literacy, career coaching, and mentoring.

• Develop and implement job readiness programs for HACLA residents, equipping them with skills to secure and sustain employment.

• Monitor program performance, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with workforce development best practices.

Program Management & Execution

• Oversee daily operations of economic mobility initiatives, ensuring program goals are met.

• Implement systems to track partner services, resource allocation, and program outcomes.

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Director of Finance & Administration on budget development, ensuring financial sustainability and compliance.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with community partners, employers, and stakeholders to expand employment opportunities.

• Partner with WorkSource Centers, HACLA’s Section 3 team, and other workforce organizations to streamline referrals and enhance employment services.

• Implement data-sharing systems to track job readiness and employment outcomes across partner organizations.

• Represent BHI at community meetings, conferences, and public forums to strengthen visibility and engagement.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Use data-driven approaches to assess program effectiveness and improve employment outcomes.

• Maintain systems for tracking resident progress from job readiness to career advancement.

• Monitor and analyze employment trends, ensuring program scalability and continuous improvement.

Team Building, Management & Culture

• Supervise a team of up to five full-time staff, providing coaching and performance management.

• Recruit, onboard, and manage program staff, interns, and volunteers as the program expands.

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and results-driven culture that reflects BHI’s values of equity, empowerment, and innovation.

QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal Economic Mobility Director candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in workforce development, public administration, social work, or a related field preferred.

• 5 years of experience in workforce development, economic mobility programs, or employment services, preferably in nonprofit or government settings. Experience in a start-up or early-stage organization strongly preferred.

• Proven expertise in program design, implementation, and evaluation, particularly in employment and financial literacy initiatives.

• Experience building and maintaining employer partnerships to create job opportunities for youth and adults.

• Familiarity with federal and local workforce development policies, including Section 3, WorkSource Centers, and youth employment programs.

• Strong ability to lead multi-stakeholder collaborations and manage relationships with employers, funders, and community partners.

• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire and mentor staff, volunteers, and community partners.

• Excellent communication skills with demonstrable ability to write effectively, speak persuasively, and listen attentively.

• Familiarity with the Los Angeles context, particularly issues affecting public housing and low-income communities, is highly desired.

• Deep commitment to social justice, equity, and inclusivity, with an ability to work effectively in multicultural settings.

• Must possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License.

Key Competencies

• Entrepreneurial Mindset – Comfortable leading in a start-up environment, identifying opportunities, and pivoting strategies as needed.

• Strategic & Analytical Thinking – Ability to see the big picture while managing detailed program objectives and metrics.

• Project Management – Highly organized, self-directed, and deadline-oriented, able to juggle multiple priorities effectively.

• Adaptability & Resilience – Flexible and solutions-focused, ready to tackle new challenges in a rapidly evolving environment.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is an exempt full-time position. The Economic Mobility Director is expected to be based in the Greater Los Angeles region and work in a hybrid environment. BHI is located within HACLA’s offices at 2600 Wilshire Blvd. in Los Angeles. Salary range is $90,000 - $115,000 (dependent on experience) and includes a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare, dental, vision, PTO, and retirement.